Dropping someone off at a London airport may seem straightforward, but many airports now charge drivers for using areas close to their terminals. These fees can vary between airports and may change over time, so checking the latest information before travelling can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Whether you're travelling by private car, taxi, or private-hire vehicle, this guide explains what you need to know about the Heathrow Drop Off Charge, Stansted Drop Off Charge, Gatwick Drop Off Charge, Luton Drop Off Charge, Southend Drop Off Charge, and London City Airport Drop Off Charge.

Heathrow Drop Off Charge

The Heathrow Drop Off Charge applies to vehicles entering the designated terminal drop-off zones at Heathrow Airport.

As of 2026, Heathrow charges £7 per visit to its terminal drop-off areas. These zones are located directly outside the terminals, making them convenient for passengers travelling with luggage.

The charge applies each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off zone. Payment can be made online, by automated telephone service, or through an AutoPay account. If paying after your visit, payment must be completed by midnight the following day.

Drivers looking for a free alternative can use Heathrow's Park & Ride car parks and passengers can continue to the terminal using the free transfer bus.

Stansted Drop Off Charge

The Stansted Drop Off Charge is an important cost to consider when planning a passenger drop-off at London Stansted Airport.

Stansted provides designated areas for dropping off passengers, with charges depending on the area used and length of stay. Because airport tariffs can change, drivers should check the current fee and maximum permitted stay before starting their journey.

If you're using a taxi or private-hire service, ask whether the airport drop-off fee is already included in your quoted fare.

Gatwick Drop Off Charge

The Gatwick Drop Off Charge applies to vehicles using the designated drop-off zones at the airport's terminals.

Gatwick currently has a minimum charge of £10 for up to 10 minutes, followed by additional charges for longer stays. The airport also offers a free alternative: drivers can use the Long Stay car park for up to two hours and passengers can take the free shuttle to the terminal.

When arranging a taxi to Gatwick, it's worth confirming whether the terminal drop-off charge is included in the total price.

Luton Drop Off Charge

The Luton Drop Off Charge applies when using London Luton Airport's designated Express Drop Off facilities.

Drivers should pay close attention to airport signage and the permitted length of stay. London Luton Airport provides an online payment system for applicable Express Drop Off charges.

Before travelling, check the latest Luton Airport information so you know which drop-off area is most suitable for your journey.

Southend Drop Off Charge

The Southend Drop Off Charge is another consideration for passengers being driven to London Southend Airport.

Drop-off and parking arrangements can vary depending on how close you want to get to the terminal and how long you intend to stay.

For a quick passenger drop-off, follow the airport's signs for the appropriate drop-off or parking area. If you expect to help with luggage or accompany the passenger inside, using a suitable parking option may be more practical.

Always check London Southend Airport's latest published tariffs before travelling, as prices and parking arrangements can change.

London City Airport Drop Off Charge

The London City Airport Drop Off Charge is particularly relevant for travellers heading to one of London's most centrally located airports.

London City Airport introduced its drop-off charging scheme as part of its transport and sustainability plans.

Before driving to the terminal, check the latest charge, payment requirements, and permitted waiting time. This is especially important for taxi and private-hire journeys where airport access charges may be added separately to the passenger's fare.

Do Taxi Fares Include Airport Drop-Off Charges?

Not necessarily. Airport access and drop-off fees may be treated separately from the basic taxi or private-hire fare.

For example, Heathrow specifically states that taxis and private-hire vehicles using its terminal drop-off zones are subject to the Terminal Drop-Off Charge.

When booking an airport taxi, ask whether the quoted price includes:

Airport drop-off charges
Parking or waiting charges
Additional waiting time
Terminal access fees
Any other airport-related charges

Knowing this beforehand makes it easier to understand the total cost of your airport journey.

How to Reduce Airport Drop-Off Costs

If you're trying to keep costs down, don't automatically drive directly to the terminal entrance. Some airports provide alternative parking or drop-off arrangements farther from the terminal.

Heathrow, for example, provides free drop-off at its Park & Ride car parks, while Gatwick allows free parking for up to two hours in its Long Stay car park with a shuttle connection to the terminals.

Allow additional time if you choose one of these alternatives.

Plan Your London Airport Journey in Advance

Airport drop-off charges are easy to overlook when calculating the cost of travelling to the airport. Whether you're checking the Heathrow Drop Off Charge, Stansted Drop Off Charge, Gatwick Drop Off Charge, Luton Drop Off Charge, Southend Drop Off Charge, or London City Airport Drop Off Charge, checking the latest airport information before departure can save time and prevent unexpected fees.

Charges, payment deadlines, exemptions, and drop-off arrangements can change, so always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant airport before travelling.

London Airport Drop-Off Charges: A Complete Guide for Travellers

Compare drop-off charges, payment options, and terminal access fees at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend, and London City Airport.